The 2024 Ondo State Governorship election, held on November 16, has drawn mixed reactions from observers. Reports from the African Centre for Leadership, Strategy & Development (Centre LSD) and the Centre for Democracy and Development Election Analysis Centre (CDD-EAC) have commended logistical improvements by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) but criticised voter apathy and instances of vote-buying.
Improved Logistics but Low Voter Turnout
Centre LSD’s interim report noted significant improvements in INEC’s logistics, with early deployment of materials and personnel across the state. For example, election materials arrived at Ward 5, Akoko Northwest, by 7:40 a.m., allowing voting to commence promptly at 8:30 a.m. Similarly, in Akure South, materials and officials were on-site as early as 6:45 a.m. However, this efficiency failed to translate into robust voter engagement. The report observed widespread voter apathy, with polling stations like those in Akoko Southeast concluding voting and counting by 2:00 p.m. due to low turnout.
CDD-EAC corroborated this finding, reporting a voter turnout of just 24.8%, consistent with its pre-election projection of less than 30%. The report attributed this to a combination of socioeconomic challenges, intra-party conflicts, and a lack of vigorous candidate engagement. “Electoral democracy is not yet delivering the development Nigerians desire,” the report concluded.
Election Security and Technology
Both organisations acknowledged the peaceful nature of the election, crediting the deployment of over 28,000 security personnel and the ban on local security outfits by the Inspector-General of Police. Centre LSD highlighted the presence of security officials at most polling units, ensuring orderly conduct. However, CDD-EAC flagged isolated incidents of violence, including ballot box snatching in Idanre and disruptions in Odigbo.
Technological advancements were another bright spot. Both groups praised the improved functionality of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS). “The BVAS machines operated efficiently, with quick technical resolutions when issues arose,” noted CDD-EAC. Yet, concerns remained about transparency, with 15% of CDD-EAC observers not witnessing BVAS results being transmitted, and discrepancies in voter data in seven local government areas.
Vote-Buying and Disinformation
Vote-buying emerged as a recurring issue. Centre LSD reported that party agents in Akure South and Akungba openly canvassed votes with financial incentives, euphemistically termed “palliatives.” CDD-EAC noted similar incidents, including the arrest of a suspect with bags of cash allegedly intended for vote-buying. It called for the swift prosecution of perpetrators to deter future violations.
On a positive note, the CDD-EAC reported a reduction in the spread of disinformation compared to previous elections. Only 16 false claims were tracked, a significant drop from the 61 recorded during the Edo election. However, it emphasised the need for stronger fact-checking initiatives to counter misinformation.
Recommendations and the Way Forward
Both organisations stressed the urgency of addressing voter apathy and vote-buying to strengthen Nigeria’s democratic process. Centre LSD recommended intensified voter education and mobilisation efforts, while CDD-EAC called for proactive legal measures against electoral malpractices. “The modest gains recorded must not allow stakeholders to rest on their oars,” stated CDD-EAC’s Dr. Dauda Garuba.
These reports push for sustained efforts to build a more inclusive, transparent, and representative electoral system ahead of future elections, including the 2025 Anambra governorship polls.
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